IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement with to support smaller firms, especially those owned by women, drive economic development in the West Bank and Gaza, Arab News has reported. According to the terms of the agreement, IFC will also help the bank develop new products and services that cater to the financial needs of smaller firms, with a focus on female entrepreneurs. “We focus on supporting female entrepreneurs and further integrating women into the economy, while encouraging the rapidly growing SME sector,” said chairman and general manager of Bank of Palestine, Hashim Shawa.